Japanese Emperor Akihito called on the Japanese people on November 12 to contribute to world peace as Japan commemorated the 10th anniversary of his accession to the throne.

"It is my earnest hope that the people of Japan will cooperate in harmony with the people of the world and together do their utmost for a better future," the emperor said at a ceremony at Tokyo's National Theater.

Prior to the emperor's speech, Japanese Prime Minister Keizo Obuchi offered his congratulations to Emperor Akihito and expressed appreciation for his activities.

Some 1,300 people attended the government-sponsored ceremony.

The Japanese emperor ascended the throne on January 7, 1989, following the death of his father, posthumously called Emperor Showa. His formal accession to the Chrysanthemum Throne took place on November 12, 1990.